Administration lawmakers on Sunday urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into, and if necessary, press charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his controversial remarks suggesting the use of bomb blasts to eliminate 15 senators and make way for his party’s candidates.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, a fellow Mindanaoan, stressed that such rhetoric cannot be taken lightly, particularly given Duterte’s history of inflammatory statements that have had real-world consequences.

“We have seen before how rhetoric like this can embolden individuals to take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. When public figures normalize threats of violence, they create a dangerous environment where words can translate into real harm,” Adiong said.

Duterte, known for his tough-talking and often crass remarks, has frequently dismissed his statements as jokes. However, Adiong pointed out that the gravity of his latest remarks, particularly during an election season, cannot be ignored.

“In a democracy, words have power — especially when they come from someone who has held the highest office in the land… If telling a bomb joke is against the law and has corresponding punishment, what more if you threaten to kill 15 senators?” he argued.

What did Duterte say?

Duterte's remarks grabbed headlines after he spoke at PDP-Laban's proclamation rally on 11 February, where he endorsed his nine-member Senate slate. The upcoming midterm elections will see 12 Senate seats contested out of the chamber’s 24 members.

During his speech, Duterte suggested that 15 senators should be killed via bombing to ensure his allies, including re-electionists Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, could secure their seats.

Zamboanga Rep. Jefferson Khonghun, a vocal critic of the Dutertes, recommended that Duterte face legal action similar to his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently under NBI investigation for an alleged plot against the president.

“The case against the Vice President sends the message that under this government, no one is above the law… Maybe former President Duterte should also be charged for the threats he is making, such as the filing of a complaint by the NBI against VP Sara Duterte," Khonghun stated.

‘Beyond reckless’

Taguig Rep. Amparo Maria "Pammy" Zamora underscored the dangers of normalizing violent rhetoric, citing the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, which left over 7,000 dead, based on government data.

"This is beyond reckless. A former president joking about murder is unacceptable. The words of a leader carry weight. When they threaten violence, it emboldens enforcers of the law to take shortcuts, it silences critics, and it fosters a culture of fear instead of democratic discourse,” she said.

Zamora further emphasized that the violence during Duterte’s administration is not something to joke about, as the country continues to grapple with its consequences.

Meanwhile, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega dismissed Duterte’s statement as an attempt to stir discord amid his party’s dim prospects in the upcoming elections.

"They can see their defeat in the 12 May election. So the former President is just resorting to threatening and doing negative campaigning," Ortega said.

As of February, at least 10 of the 12 senatorial candidates under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas continue to dominate election surveys, with ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo leading the pack.

Marcos has also highlighted that none of his endorsed senatorial candidates are pro-China, in an apparent jab at Duterte, whose administration pursued closer ties with Beijing.